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Handan was the capital of the State of Zhao during the Warring States period (475−221 BCE), after the capital moved from Zhongmu. The city was conquered by the State of Qin after the virtual annexation of Zhao by Qin except for the Dai Commandery. The first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang was born in Handan, the child of a statesman from the state of Qin, and after successfully conquering Zhao he ordered all enemies of his mother to be buried alive.

Handan was still regarded as a cultural and commercial centre during the Western and Eastern Han dynasties (206 BCE−220 CE). It slowly declined, perhaps because of the numerous battles that ravaged northern China following the Han Dynasty, but maintained a reputation for its fine Cizhou ware well into the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). It was also the birthplace in the 19th century of Yang-style t'ai chi ch'uan, one of the five major schools of tai chi in China.

Though much of Handan's ancient history is no longer visible, it still has some attractions, most derived from Zhao folklore such as the road into which Lin Xiangru, courier of the precious jade He Shi Bi, backed in order to let his nemesis Lian Po pass first, as well as the location in which Lian Po begged for Lin Xiangru's forgiveness. Modern-day Congtai Park is located on the site of the historical Zhao court. The nearby Xiangtangshan Caves contain massive Buddha statues carved into the mountainside, some dating to the 6th century. Many of these statues were severely vandalised by occupying Japanese forces during World War II, as Handan was prized by the invaders for its coal reserves.

Industrial growth in the city was due to its communication and transport activities. Coal mines at Fengfeng provide power for Handan's iron, steel and textile mills. Chemical and cement plants along with other industries also benefit. The GDPper capita in Renminbi (人民币), aka yuan (元) was estimated at ¥13,449 in 2005.

As air pollution in China is at an all-time high, several Hebei cities are among one of the most polluted cities and has one of the worst air quality in China. Reporting on China's airpocalypse has been accompanied by what seems like a monochromatic slideshow of the country's several cities smothered in thick smog. According to a survey made by "Global voices China" in February 2013, 7 cities in Hebei including Xingtai, Shijiazhuang, Baoding, Handan, Langfang, Hengshui and Tangshan, are among China's 10 most polluted cities.[2]

According to Handan government in 2007, 40 ethnic groups were present in Handan. Ethnic minorities represent 50000 people, among which 48000 Hui. There are 22 Hui schools and 5 Hui junior high schools in Handan.[3]

There are also 300.000 Protestants. The largest Protestant church is on Qianjin Avenue (邯郸市西堂) and was built in 1997.[6] The oldest church was on Congtai Street and was built in 1920 by Americans. The church was destroyed 2009 by the local government.[7] A new church was built in 2011.[8]

According to the local government 30.000 Hui Muslims live in the prefecture of Handan.[9]